Essential Eligibility & Safety Requirements

General Participation Expectations

Participants must be able to understand and follow guide instructions, communicate clearly, and make responsible decisions for themselves and any dependents in their care.
 

Whitewater rafting involves moving water, uneven terrain, physical exertion, and limited access to emergency services. Guests should honestly assess their comfort level and abilities before participating.
 

Age & Weight Requirements

Requirements vary by river section, season, and water level.
 

Typical Minimums

High Spring Flows

• Minimum age: 16

• Minimum weight: 90 lbs
   

Summer Water Levels (mid-June through October)

• Minimum age: 6

• Minimum weight: 50 lbs
   

All minimums may be adjusted based on conditions and guide assessment.
 

Maximum Weight Guidelines
 

• General maximum: 275 lbs

• Murtaugh section maximum: 250 lbs
   

Weight guidelines are based on rescue feasibility, boat performance, and safety equipment limits.
 

Balance, Mobility & Physical Readiness

Participants should be able to:
 

• Maintain balance while seated in a raft during waves and impacts

• Hold onto the raft through rapids

• Board and exit boats multiple times per day

• Walk independently on uneven terrain such as beaches, boat ramps, and camps
   

These abilities help ensure both individual and group safety.
 

Cold Water Awareness

Whitewater rafting involves the possibility of water immersion. Water temperatures vary by season and river section.
 

• Early season water temperatures can be cold

• Summer water temperatures are warmer but still physically demanding

• Unexpected swims require breathing control and responsiveness
   

Guests should be able to remain calm, regulate breathing, and follow instructions after water exposure.
 

Medical & Health Considerations

Most guests with common, well-managed health conditions participate without issue.

Guests are responsible for managing their own medical conditions and medications.

Conditions that may increase risk include, but are not limited to:
 

• Heart or cardiovascular conditions

• Respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD

• Conditions affecting balance, reaction time, or stress response
   

Guests with medical concerns are strongly encouraged to consult a healthcare professional prior to participation and to inform Adventure Idaho of relevant considerations before their trip.
 

Many common, well-managed conditions do not prevent participation. When in doubt, we encourage guests to contact us so we can help determine the best trip option.
 

Pregnancy

Guests who are pregnant should consult a healthcare professional prior to booking.

Rafting involves sudden movements, impacts, and physical exertion that may increase risk depending on conditions.
 

Safety Equipment & Instruction Compliance

All participants must:

• Wear a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved PFD when required

• Wear helmets when required by river section or conditions

• Follow all guide instructions related to safety and equipment use
   

Proper equipment fit is essential for participation.
 

Group Conduct & Responsibility

Guests are expected to:
 

• Act cooperatively and respectfully

• Follow guide direction at all times

• Avoid behavior that puts themselves or others at risk
   

Disruptive or unsafe behavior may result in removal from the activity without refund.
 

Youth Participation

Youth participants must meet all physical, swimming, and behavioral requirements and comply with Adventure Idaho’s youth safety policies.
 

Parents, guardians, and organizations are responsible for ensuring youth are prepared for participation.
 

Our Commitment & Right to Refuse Participation

Adventure Idaho reserves the right to:
 

• Deny participation prior to a trip

• Modify participation based on conditions

• Remove participants if safety becomes a concern
   

These decisions are made to protect guests, guides, and the group as a whole.
 

Who Should Not Book This Trip

This experience may not be a good fit for guests who:
 

• Are unable to remain calm or responsive in moving water

• Cannot follow guide instructions in dynamic or stressful situations

• Are unable to assist with basic self-movement in the water while wearing a life jacket (PFD)

• Cannot safely walk on wet, slippery, or uneven terrain such as rocks, beaches, or boat ramps

• Have medical conditions that significantly impair breathing, balance, or cardiovascular response during exertion or cold water exposure

• Are unwilling or unable to wear required safety equipment properly
   

Guests with questions about readiness or comfort level are encouraged to contact us before booking. We are happy to help determine whether a different trip, timing, or river section may be a better fit.

Final Advisory

Whitewater rafting is a physically and mentally engaging outdoor experience, and it’s one we guide families, first-time rafters, and groups through every day. Our goal is to help you feel prepared, confident, and excited about your trip.

 

If you are unsure whether a trip is right for you or your group, please contact us. We are happy to help you choose the best option.

Read More - How Safe Is Rafting?